Cycling loop: Circuit du Bas Chablais

Lake Geneva is an authentic inland sea and the largest lake in Western Europe. It started out as a glacier mainly fed by the Rhone River. The lake is majestic in size and is a unique destination as the Sea in the Mountain!Lake Geneva is Western Europe’s largest lake. Its French name Léman is probably Celtic in origin, changed by Latin with frequent name changes over time: Lacus Lemanus, Lake Geneva or Lake Léman. The lake is crescent-shaped with the north bank and two sides being Swiss and the south bank being French. The border goes through the middle of the lake. The Rhone crosses through the lake from east to west. Many things have made the lake what it is today: Tectonic folding in part of the Great Lake and the action of a Rhone glacier in the Small Lake (between Yvoire and Geneva). It was formed when the Rhone glacier melted after the last ice age almost 15,000 years ago. Key figures and locations: - Length of intersection: 72.8km - Maximum width: 13.8km - Surface area: 582.4km² (348.4km² in Switzerland and 234km² in France) - Altitude: 372m - Maximum depth: 309.7m, coast plus 62.3m between Lausanne and Évian - Total water volume: 89 million m³ Microclimate... Although it is on the edge of the Alps, Lake Geneva has created a microclimate around it due to the sheer amount of water it holds. For example, in Montreux and its immediate surroundings you can see palm trees, agaves and other exotic plants. In winter, the lake uses the heat it has conserved during the summer to make the harsh mountain winter milder. In summer the lake cools its surroundings. Lake Geneva’s wildlife: Fish: Approximately 30 species of fish live together in the lake including: - True fera or féra as it is known locally, 360 tons caught in 2006 (310 tons in 2005). - Perch, which is filleted, 224 tons caught in 2006 (234 tons in 2005). - Pike, 35 tons caught in 2006 (47 tons in 2005, 29 tons in 2004 and 31 tons in 2000). In 1996 a 1.34m long pike was caught in the lake and a 20.5kg pike was caught in March 2004 in the Vaud area. - Lake trout, 11 tons caught in 2006 (17 tons in 2005, 27 tons in 2004). Some specimens can weigh up to 8 or 10 kilos. - The ever popular Arctic char, 14 tons caught in 2006 (17 tons in 2005, 9 tons in 2004, 68 tons in 2000). This fish is very sensitive to global warming as it requires very cold water in order to reproduce. - Crayfish which were released in the lake by mistake in the 80s and have now colonised the waters. This shellfish is very popular for its succulent meat and fishermen’s catch is now supplied to restaurants. - Roach, bleak, carp, burbot, tench, stickleback and many more. Birds: Many birds come to the lake as it is a migration route between the Alps and the Jura Mountains. The 150,000 birds and ducks coming from Scandinavia and even Siberia to spend their winter here include: - the Great Cormorant - the Common Merganser - the Great Crested Grebe - the Common Pochard - the Tufted Duck - and the Eurasian Coot - Along with swans and mallards. Tourism around Lake Geneva: There are lots of tourist attractions around Lake Geneva. On the Swiss coast stands Château de Chillon (Vaud) in a unique romantic setting popularised in written form by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s La Nouvelle Héloïse and Byron’s The Prisoner of Chillon. On the Haute-Savoie Chablais coast lies the fortified village of Yvoire (also know as the pearl of Lake Geneva) on a rocky fort, Excenevex Beach and Château de Ripaille. In historical Thonon-les-Bains there are towers, parks and vineyards. The Lavaux vineyards between Vevey and Lutry were classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. Visitors can also explore the many sides to life around Lake Geneva by visiting its towns and cities such as Geneva itself, Lausanne, Montreux and Thonon-les-Bains.

The Redon beach, located at the mouth of the Redon river, is a natural beach with a grassy area. You'll have a memorable time on this beach. Trees provide shaded areas.

Au centre du village, la plage de galets des Recorts est bordée d'une grande pelouse. Ici, le temps s'écoule calmement: terrain de pétanque et port de pêche traditionnel assume,t le caractère tranquille du site.Baignade non surveillée

Natural and landscaped, the Champ de l'Eau beach is ideal for bathing or relaxing. Come and discover the natural beauty of the Chablais region and Lake Geneva. Enjoy a peaceful moment in the company of the local flora and fauna.

Une agréable pelouse et une plage de galets invitent au repos et à la baignade et tout cela au bord du bourg médiéval d'Yvoire. La plage dispose d'une aire de pique nique afin de vous restaurer après une baignade dans l'eau du lac Léman

Near to the castle of Beauregard, in Chens, this little beach is very quiet and isolated .

Take a dip, relax in the shade of century-old trees or picnic in the natural surroundings of Lake Geneva. Tougues beach is a peaceful, natural spot where adults and children alike are welcome.Barbecues prohibited except in the designated area

Built in 1863 at the request of the famous General Comte de Boigne on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress by the architect Bruger, the château is a pseudo-medieval construction imitating a fortified castle.The château stands on the Boissy hillside at an altitude of 733 m, with a view of Lake Geneva in the distance. Later acquired by the SIVOM du Bas Chablais, the château is now home to a number of public and humanitarian organizations, as well as the offices of the Communauté de Communes du Bas-Chablais.